School students dig in for greener future

AlburyCity is hosting their annual Planet Ark Schools Tree Day on Wednesday 26 July, where local students from Lavington, Albury North and Glenroy primary schools will take part in planting hundreds of River Red Gums and other native plants adjacent to the new Wagirra Trail at Wonga Wetlands.

Each year, around 200,000 Australian school students from 2,300 schools participate in Schools Tree Day. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to make a contribution to Australia’s natural environment and have lots of fun at the same time. AlburyCity has been participating in Schools Tree Day for 15 years now.

The revegetation of the site at Wonga Wetlands will contribute to providing habitat for a range of threatened birds and animals. There are many birds that have been recorded in the area including the Little Eagle, Brown Treecreeper, Superb Parrot, Little Lorikeet, Freckled Duck and Diamond Firetail. The iconic Squirrel Glider, which is listed as vulnerable in the Albury area will also use these trees as a home.

The revegetation process will also create an important corridor for our native wildlife, connecting them to significant environmental areas such as the Murray River and nearby Nail Can Hill and Albury Ranges.

Restoring native areas of bushland also helps with tackling climate change, cleaning the air, preventing soil erosion, reducing heat, and assisting in improving water quality of the Murray River.

In addition to the planting, the students will enjoy talks and environmental activities.

AlburyCity Mayor Kylie King said Schools Tree Day is a great opportunity for students to learn about the local environment and play an active role in giving back to nature.

“AlburyCity is proud to support this important event, creating the opportunity to inspire and educate future generations on the many benefits of trees and protection of our wildlife.”

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